Senate of the Philippines. Photo courtesy of PNA.
The Senate has yet to finalize who will preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte when the chamber convenes as an impeachment court on Monday.
Senate Secretary and impeachment clerk of court Renato Bantug said Friday that he had not received final instructions on the matter.
Bantug said the presiding officer would be known when the proceedings begin on July 6.
Under the Senate’s amended impeachment trial rules, the Senate president serves as presiding officer unless a majority of senator-judges elects another member to preside.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian currently holds the post.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo said he personally preferred either Sen. Kiko Pangilinan or Sen. Chiz Escudero to preside, citing their legal background and experience.
Tulfo clarified that he was not questioning Gatchalian’s capability, saying the Senate President had indicated openness to designating another presiding officer or impeachment trial manager if needed.
Tulfo said senators were expected to discuss the issue in an all-senators caucus before Monday’s proceedings.